Playing it safe clearly was not an option for Ford with the redesign of the 2013 Fusion.

The body is dramatically creased, in contrast with the current slab-sided barge, the grille looks stolen from Aston Martin, and the interior and chassis were completely redone. Ford also is rolling out a plug-in hybrid model that's said to get at least 100 mpg-e when driven in all-electric mode.

The latest edition of the sedan is an ambitious project, and Ford is aiming to capture a wide array of consumers with a broad range of engine selections, including two EcoBoost four-cylinders. The 1.6-liter is projected to make 179 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.0-liter is expected to make 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.

The conventional (non-plug-in) hybrid also returns, and mileage is improved to 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. Ford has sold Fusion hybrids for three years, and this next generation has improved regenerative braking, capturing up to 95 percent of the kinetic energy, more electric systems (in place of belt-driven), and the transmission and battery-cooling systems are developed in-house at Ford.

The plug-in model is called Energi, and it's different from the basic hybrid. The Energi's lithium-ion batteries allow for travel under all-electric power, though Ford wouldn't specify the distance. A gasoline engine extends range to at least 500 miles. It can stay all-electric up to about 62 mph. Though Ford called the Energi a "white space" vehicle and segment-creating, there's no mistaking that it's meant to compete directly with the Volt, the Nissan Leaf and cars that aren't even public knowledge yet.

"You get a better efficiency and you're getting more from a vehicle standpoint," said Sherif Marakby, Ford's electric-vehicle program director.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 170 hp and 170-lb-ft of torque rounds out the lineup. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available, depending on the model. There is no V6 engine, which Marakby called "a strategic change." Additionally, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine will have stop/start technology. The internal-combustion variants will be the first Fusions off the line, with the hybrid and Energi models joining slightly later in 2012.

The surface changes also are significant. Like the Escape, which eschewed a proven, albeit conventional design for a complete makeover, the Fusion completely breaks from the established appearance of the 2012 model. The hood and fenders are creased, contoured and bulge in various places. The laser-cut headlights are wraparound and are enhanced with LED turn signals, and the taillights have their own unique graphic for nighttime conditions.

The pointed front end showcases the "new face of Ford," as first evidenced on the Evos concept revealed at the Frankfurt motor show. The grille is outlined in chrome and blinged-out further with chrome ribs. There also is a prominent beltline that flows from stem to stern.

The car follows a path driven by Hyundai, which took a series of fluidic sculpture concepts and made them production reality in the Sonata. That turned heads and was the beginning of the Korean carmaker's design confidence. Ford hopes to do the same with the Fusion, which is launching into a segment that is generally staid. It's a calculated move, as the Fusion had its best sales year ever in 2011, and a major styling change could turn off some buyers.

Still, making a statement with its own kinetic design language was a mission for Fusion designers.

"It was something that drove the design of this vehicle from the outset, from the very first sketch," chief exterior designer Chris Hamilton said.

Interestingly, the Fusion debuts a lightly updated Blue Oval that is pressed nearly flush into the front of the car for a premium feel. It's also outlined in metal and will be used on future Fords.

The cabin also was redone, with fresh seats, more room and an electronic parking brake. The center console is slightly more open, and the instrument cluster updated.

Ford also loaded the Fusion with a range of electronic options, including lane-keeping assistance, parking assistance, a keyless entry system hidden in the B-pillar and adaptive cruise control. Sync will be standard, with a new version of MyFord Touch as an option.

The sedan comes in front- and all-wheel drive versions and employs new MacPherson-front and multilink-rear suspensions. It also gets a new electric power-steering system.